Neenah Light facts for kids
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| Neenah Lighthouse | |
 Neenah Light
Location in Wisconsin
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| Location | Neenah, Wisconsin |
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| Coordinates | 44°11′7.8″N 88°26′29″W / 44.185500°N 88.44139°W |
| Year first constructed | 1945 |
| Year first lit | 1945 |
| Height | 49 feet (15 m) |
The Neenah Light, also known as the Kimberly Point Lighthouse, is a cool lighthouse located in Kimberly Point Park in Neenah, Wisconsin. It helps guide boats safely from Lake Winnebago into the Lower Fox River.
Contents
A Look Back: The Lighthouse's Story
How Neenah Began
The city of Neenah started way back in 1835. It was first a place for farming and industry for the Menominee Native American people. The name "Neenah" actually means "water" in their language! After the American Civil War, trains became very important. They helped Neenah's economy grow a lot. This growth led to the start of a big company called Kimberly-Clark Corporation in 1872. One of the four people who started this successful company was John Alfred Kimberly.
Building the Lighthouse
In 1929, Helen Kimberly Stuart, who was John A. Kimberly's daughter, gave some land to the city of Neenah. This land became Kimberly Point Park. It overlooked the spot where Lake Winnebago meets the Fox River.
In 1944, J. C. Kimberly, John A. Kimberly's son, saw that a light was needed. It would help mark the entrance to the river for boats. He donated $7,500 for the project. He also hired Flour Brothers Construction Company from nearby Oshkosh. They built a 40-foot-tall lighthouse using brick and Haydite blocks. The lighthouse started guiding boaters into Neenah Harbor in 1945. Later, in 1954, it was made even taller, reaching 49 feet.
Protecting a Piece of History
To make sure this special lighthouse would be protected for the future, the Neenah Landmarks Commission added it to the city's list of historic places in 2009. Just three years later, the lighthouse was added to the Wisconsin State Register of Historic Places. Then, in 2013, it was approved for the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historic site across the whole country!
